When it comes to ensuring a steady supply of electricity for your home solar system, selecting the best generator is crucial. The right generator acts as a backup power source during cloudy days, night time, or when energy consumption exceeds solar production. In this article, we will guide you through the top generators for home solar in 2025, along with essential considerations and expert recommendations.
Why Do You Need a Generator for Your Home Solar System?
Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to understand why a generator is necessary for a home solar setup. While solar panels can generate power from the sun, they are not always reliable. Overcast skies, rain, and the night-time hours can leave your home without power unless you have a backup solution. A generator can kick in during these times to provide the additional energy needed.
A generator will also help ensure that you never have to worry about outages, especially in areas where the power grid is unreliable. It serves as a safety net to ensure your home is always powered.
How to Choose the Best Generator for Home Solar?
Choosing the right generator for your home solar system can seem like a daunting task. There are several factors to consider to ensure that you get a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
1. Power Output Needs
The most important factor when selecting a generator for your home solar system is determining how much power you need. You’ll want to calculate the wattage required to power your essential appliances, including lights, refrigerator, water heater, and electronics, during a power outage.
It’s recommended to add up the wattage of the appliances you plan to run on the generator and ensure the generator’s output can handle that load.
2. Fuel Type
Generators run on various fuels, such as gasoline, propane, and diesel. For solar systems, propane is often the preferred fuel due to its longer shelf life and cleaner burning properties. However, the choice of fuel will depend on your preferences, availability, and budget.
Gasoline-powered generators: They are widely available but have a shorter shelf life for fuel and produce more emissions.
Propane-powered generators: These are cleaner and better for the environment, but fuel may be more expensive.
Diesel-powered generators: Diesel generators tend to last longer but can be noisy and produce more pollution.
3. Portability and Size
If you’re looking for a generator that can be easily moved or stored, portability will be a significant consideration. A larger generator will provide more power, but it may be harder to move and install. Consider the size of your home and the amount of space available for the generator.
4. Inverter vs. Conventional Generators
An inverter generator produces cleaner energy and is quieter than conventional generators. These generators are a great match for home solar systems because they can generate energy in a way that is safer for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and TV sets.
Conventional generators, while more powerful, can sometimes produce a lower-quality power output, which can damage your appliances.
5. Run Time and Fuel Efficiency
Consider how long you need the generator to run during a power outage. Some generators are designed to run for hours without refueling, while others may require more frequent refueling.
Generators with larger fuel tanks or more efficient engines can run for longer periods. Look for a generator with the best balance between fuel consumption and runtime.
Top Generators for Home Solar Systems in 2025
Here are some of the best generators for home solar in 2025, based on customer feedback, performance, and reliability.
1. Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
The Honda EU2200i is one of the top-rated inverter generators for home solar systems. This model is compact, efficient, and ideal for small to medium-sized homes. With a power output of 2200 watts, it’s perfect for running essential household appliances like lights, refrigerators, and small electronics.
Pros:
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- Quiet operation
- Fuel-efficient
- Reliable performance
- Easy to move
Cons:
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- Limited power output for larger homes
- Expensive
2. Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a powerful dual-fuel inverter generator, offering flexibility between gasoline and propane. With 4500 watts of peak power, it can support larger homes with more energy demands.
Pros:
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- Dual-fuel flexibility
- Quiet operation
- Longer runtime (up to 18 hours on a full tank of gas)
- Clean power for sensitive electronics
Cons:
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- Heavier than other models
- Higher cost
3. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator is another solid choice for solar-powered homes. With the ability to run on both gasoline and propane, this generator provides a versatile and reliable power backup.
Pros:
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- Dual-fuel capability
- Easy to start and operate
- Eco-mode for better fuel efficiency
- Quiet performance
Cons:
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- Less peak power compared to larger models
- Limited to smaller homes
4. Generac GP2200i Inverter Generator
The Generac GP2200i is an affordable and reliable inverter generator. This model produces 2200 watts, which is enough to power a few appliances during power outages. It’s a great option for smaller homes or as a supplementary backup generator for a solar system.
Pros:
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- Compact and portable
- Affordable
- Quiet operation
- Good fuel economy
Cons:
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- Not ideal for larger homes
- Lower peak wattage
5. Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Inverter Generator
The Pulsar G2319N is another budget-friendly inverter generator that is ideal for homeowners with smaller solar systems. It offers reliable performance with a 2300-watt peak power capacity and can run essential devices like lights, small refrigerators, and more.
Pros:
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- Affordable
- Easy to transport
- Quiet operation
- Good for small homes
Cons:
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- Lower power output
- Shorter runtime
How to Connect a Generator to a Home Solar System
Once you’ve selected the right generator for your home solar setup, the next step is to connect it properly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to connecting your generator to your solar system:
1. Use a Transfer Switch
A transfer switch is essential to connect the generator to your home’s electrical system safely. It ensures that the generator can supply power to your solar system’s inverter without causing backfeeding into the grid, which can be dangerous.
2. Connect the Generator to the Solar Inverter
The generator should be connected to your solar system’s inverter through the transfer switch. This allows the inverter to seamlessly convert the electricity generated by the generator and feed it into your home’s electrical circuits.
3. Test the System
Before relying on the system during an emergency, it’s important to test the generator connection. Run the generator and ensure that all your devices are receiving power.
Maintenance Tips for Your Backup Generator
To ensure your generator remains in good working condition, regular maintenance is essential.
Here are some tips for keeping your generator ready for use:
Check the oil: Change the oil regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Inspect the air filter: Replace the air filter every 100 hours of use.
Test the generator regularly: Run the generator monthly to ensure it’s working properly.
Store fuel properly: Always store fuel in a cool, dry place to prevent contamination.
Conclusion
Choosing the best generator for your home solar system is crucial for ensuring reliable power during outages. Whether you opt for a smaller, portable inverter generator or a larger dual-fuel model, the right generator will give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll have backup power when you need it most.
Consider your home’s energy needs, the type of fuel you prefer, and the size of your solar system when making your decision. With the right generator, you can maximize the efficiency and reliability of your home solar system while protecting your family from power outages.
